Puzzle

He didn't want Fitz to end up like that, so all along, besides being somewhat angry at his lack of ambition and feeling that he didn't know how to focus more on expanding the business, he was worried that Fitz would break down.

I'm getting on in years, unmarried, and childless. My biggest dream is to save enough money to close my shop and retire early, living a peaceful and comfortable life.

Now that such a treasure has arrived at the store, no matter how much he tries to convince himself, he knows that he now has someone he cares about.

Perhaps it's like raising a small animal. What started as an unintentional act, like picking up a stray cat or dog, gradually develops into a bond through daily interaction. "How do you know your medicine worked? Have you already tested it?"

The boss also noticed the alchemical cauldron Fitz had placed on the cabinet. The cauldron was filled with a bright red liquid, resembling freshly squeezed blood, and looked extremely frightening. Although the [Recovery Potion] was also red, it looked much more approachable and at least didn't inspire fear.

"Of course! Come, come, I'll show you right now!"

Hearing the boss say that, Galan got excited and led him to the crucible, filling a prepared bottle with the potion.

"Look closely! I tested this several times before I made this judgment."

He pulled out a knife from somewhere, then shook his sleeve, revealing most of his arm.

The boss then noticed that the guy had several scars on his arm that he didn't know when, and his skin was also a little paler than usual.

Because the difference wasn't very obvious, the boss only noticed now that Fitz's breathing was more rapid than usual and that his physical condition was clearly not right.

"You... you've been experimenting on your own body? Are you insane! What if you die?!"

Even a fool would have figured out by now how Fitz was testing the potion's effectiveness.

He actually cut his own artery with a knife, then took some medicine, risking his life to see if the blood he lost and the blood he regenerated could maintain a balance.

If he cannot, he will likely die immediately from massive blood loss.

However, Goddess Luck seems to be on this madman's side; he survived, which means his experiment was a success, and the potion's potency is clearly directed towards the [Blood Production] branch.

"Hey, what's the big deal? Watch closely and I'll demonstrate it for you again!"

However, Fitz didn't seem to care about these things, and even seemed indifferent to his own life. He gripped the hilt of the knife and brought it closer to his arm.

Actually, he didn't succeed on his first try. He had two previous attempts at producing semi-finished products, which almost killed him during drug trials.

Fortunately, he had some [Recovery Potions ] on hand, which barely saved him, but it also caused his condition to deteriorate further.

After all, [Recovery Potions ] are not a panacea; they can only provide temporary relief. Repeated use will reduce their effectiveness, and there's no guarantee that the patient won't recover on one occasion.

If he can't develop it, he probably will really die during one of the drug trials.

"Stop doing that."

But just as he was about to show it off, the boss snatched the knife from his hand.

"I believe in you. Although you're crazy, your talent is undeniable. Now that you've succeeded, there's no need to try again and again."

He threw the knife to the ground and then kicked it out of the room, disappearing without a trace.

Since he brought Fitz back himself, how could the boss possibly allow Fitz to do something that was tantamount to self-harm in front of him?

"Don't use this method to test drugs again next time. I'm really afraid you'll die silently in this storage room one day..."

How could this be...?

"Stop joking with me, let's go out to eat today."

"Going out to eat? Why are you being so nice to me today?"

Huh? You brat, when have I ever been mean to you!

"Come here, don't run! Explain yourself!"

"It worked!?"

Back at the Inn in the afternoon, Galan had just put some things down in his room and was about to take Lia out for dinner when the Inn the boss called him down.

He was still wondering who had come looking for him when he saw Fitz carrying a large box as soon as he reached the door.

"I've made that potion you asked for last time."

"What?"

Galan didn't react for a moment, but after recognizing the other person and seeing what he was holding, his eyes lit up and he was excited. However, after he came to his senses, he couldn't help but feel a bit shocked and incredulous.

In such a short time, he actually succeeded?

"Really? Are you sure this medicine will be effective enough to achieve the results I need?"

"I've tested it on myself several times, there won't be any problems."

"You're going to use your own body to test drugs?"

Galan was stunned by his madman-like behavior, but then he felt that he was not at all envious that such a person could do this.

On this point alone, Galan has already lost to Fitz.

Because he would never joke with his own life, he would never use his body to try a potion whose success was uncertain.

Name your price, I'll buy as many as you have here.

Galan knew that to actually concoct such a potion in such a short time would require a considerable investment. He wasn't one to take advantage of others, so even if Fitz's price was too high, he could simply borrow some from Frog.

If the other party can provide what I need, I should offer a corresponding price.

"It's free, you can have all of these. I don't need the money anyway."

To everyone's surprise, Fitz simply shook his head, indicating that he didn't need Galan to pay for it.

"Really free? Dude, did you drink yourself silly during the drug trial?"

Although it wasn't the best way to put it, Galan was still quite puzzled by Fitz's behavior.

Even if he does offer a price that's too high, I wouldn't necessarily refuse it.

This is the fruit of his labor, which must have taken a great deal of effort, yet he doesn't ask for any reward?

Why is that?

"For me, this is just a necessary step on my path to concocting the [Rejuvenation Potion]. You were right before; with this experience, I have a direction to strive for in the future—I should thank you for this."